Fluorescence Imaging of Alzheimer's Disease with a Flat Ensemble Formed between a Quinoline–Malononitrile AIEgen and Thin-Layer Molybdenum Disulfide

The sensitive imaging of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is important for the timely detection of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although clinically the diagnosis of AD relies on the use of radiolabeled imaging reagents, herein we report the simple construction of a “flat ensemble” formed between a quinoline–malononitrile AIEgen (EDS) and thin-layer molybdenum disulfide (2D MoS₂) for the sensitive detection of Aβ by means of fluorescence-based techniques. Self-assembly between EDS and 2D MoS₂ in aqueous buffer solution produces the flat ensemble, and the subsequent interaction of the material ensemble with oligomeric and aggregated Aβ peptides leads to up to 19-fold enhanced fluorescence of EDS. The ensemble is also applicable for staining Aβ aggregates in vivo.